What began as a tough weekend for horse racing fans took a more hopeful turn after a frightening scene involving one of the sport’s oldest contenders.
The Grand National always delivers drama, but few expected the spotlight to fall on 13-year-old Celebre D’Allen — especially not like this.
A Shocking Collapse on the Track
Saturday’s Grand National brought a scare when Celebre D’Allen, a 125/1 long shot, collapsed after completing the famous Aintree course.
The horse had shown early promise during the race but faded significantly as it went on.
By the time he reached the second-last fence, signs of distress were obvious — but jockey Micheal Nolan kept pushing.
He finally pulled up after the final jump, but not before the situation worsened.
Just moments after slowing to a stop, the horse went down, prompting an immediate response from the track’s medical team.
Swift Action and Encouraging Signs
Fortunately, the swift intervention of veterinary staff helped stabilize the horse.
Celebre D’Allen managed to get back on his feet and was later seen walking into the horse ambulance for further evaluation.
Although the initial scenes were worrying, fans and trainers alike breathed a sigh of relief when updates emerged the next day.
A Positive Update from the Yard
By Sunday morning, there was finally something to smile about.
Trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White posted a cheerful video to social media showing Celebre D’Allen looking much improved — “bright and breezy,” as they put it.
Despite being the oldest runner in the field, the veteran gelding seemed to bounce back surprisingly well, lifting the spirits of many who feared the worst.
Consequences for the Jockey
While the horse’s recovery is certainly good news, the way the situation was handled mid-race hasn’t gone unnoticed.
A stewards’ enquiry followed shortly after the incident, and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) concluded that Nolan should have stopped sooner.
Their investigation found that Celebre D’Allen was clearly struggling and had nothing left to give, yet the jockey pushed on.
After reviewing race footage and speaking with both Nolan and a veterinary officer, race officials handed him a 10-day suspension for breaching riding rules.
Their decision was aimed at prioritizing animal welfare — something that’s gaining more focus in the sport.
What Comes Next?
With Celebre D’Allen now on the mend, attention will likely turn to his future and the broader conversation around racehorse safety.
Should older horses be allowed to compete in such grueling events?
How can jockeys be better supported in making welfare-first decisions during a race?
The incident has sparked fresh debate — but for now, fans are just happy to see Celebre D’Allen standing tall again.
